EDGE-Expert Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE Expert) Exam Questions and Answers

The preliminary certification stage requires specific documentation to verify the implementation of efficiency measures like Insulation for Cold Storage Envelope. The EDGE Certification Protocol outlines the evidence requirements: "For measures involving insulation, such as Insulation for Cold Storage Envelope, the Client must provide drawings at the preliminary certification stage that specify the U-value of the installed insulation to demonstrate compliance with the measure’s requirements. The U-value must be lower than the Base Case to qualify for savings" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.2: Audit Requirements). Option C, drawings showing the U-value specification of the cold storage envelope, directly aligns with this requirement. Option A (calculations of Coefficient of Performance) is irrelevant, as COP applies to HVAC systems, not insulation: "COP is used for chillers, not insulation measures" (EDGE User Guide, Section 4.2: Energy Efficiency Measures). Option B (manufacturer's data sheets for the HVAC system) is also unrelated, as the measure focuses on the envelope, not HVAC: "HVAC documentation is not required for insulation measures" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.2: Audit Requirements). Option D (purchase receipts showing the U-value) is more relevant at the post-construction stage: "Purchase receipts are typically required at the post-construction stage to confirm installation, while drawings suffice for design-stage verification" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.4: Post-Construction Requirements). Thus, drawings with U-value specifications (Option C) are required at preliminary certification.

Lamp efficiency in EDGE is a key factor in reducing energy consumption for lighting, a critical green building design strategy. The EDGE User Guide defines lamp efficiency: "In EDGE, a moreefficient lamp is one that provides higher lumens per watt, meaning it produces more light output (lumens) for the same electrical input (watts). This metric, known as luminous efficacy, is used to evaluate lighting efficiency measures like EEM22 - Efficient Lighting for Internal Areas" (EDGE User Guide, Section 4.4: Lighting Efficiency Measures). Option A, more lumens/watt, directly aligns with this definition, as it indicates greater efficiency in converting electricity to light. Option B (lower watts/m²) refers to lighting power density, which is a design metric, not a lamp characteristic: "Watts/m² is a measure of lighting power density for a space, not the efficiency of an individual lamp" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 5.4: Lighting Calculations). Option C (longer life) relates to durability, not efficiency: "Lamp life affects maintenance costs but is not a direct measure of energy efficiency in EDGE" (EDGE User Guide, Section 4.4: Lighting Efficiency Measures). Option D (lower wattage) alone does not indicate efficiency, as a lamp with lower wattage but poor light output would be less efficient: "Lower wattage must be paired with adequate lumens to improve efficiency" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 5.4: Lighting Calculations). Thus, more lumens/watt (Option A) describes a more efficient lamp.

EDGE Auditors must meet specific requirements to maintain their licensed status, ensuring they remain active and competent in their role. The EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols provide detailed guidance: "To maintain their licensed status, EDGE Auditors must undertake at least one building project audit every two years. This requirement ensures that Auditors remain actively engaged in the certification process and maintain their practical experience in verifying EDGE projects" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 5.1: Maintaining Auditor Status). Option A, undertake at least one building project audit every two years, directly aligns with this requirement. Option B (attend refresher training for at least two hours every two years) and Option C (attend refresher training for at least two hours every three years) are incorrect, as the protocols specify a different training requirement: "EDGE Auditors must attend refresher training as required by IFC, typically every three years, but the duration is not specified as a minimum of two hours; the focus is on completing the training, not the exact hours" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 5.1: Maintaining Auditor Status). Option D (undertake at least one building project audit every three years) is also incorrect, as the required frequency is every two years, not three: "A three-year interval for audits does not meet the requirement of one audit every two years, which is necessary to ensure ongoing competence" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 5.1: Maintaining Auditor Status). The EDGE User Guide supports this by stating: "Auditors maintain their status by conducting at least one audit every two years, ensuring they stay familiar with EDGE standards and procedures through active practice" (EDGE User Guide, Section 6.5: Working with EDGE Auditors). Additionally, the protocols note: "Failure to conduct an audit within two years may result in a lapse of Auditor status, requiring recertification through additional training or re-examination" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 5.2: Recertification Conditions). Thus, undertaking at least one audit every two years (Option A) is the correct requirement for maintaining EDGE Auditor status.

At the design stage (Preliminary Certification), EDGE requires specific documentation to verify that proposed measures, such as ceiling fans, will be implemented as claimed. The EDGE Certification Protocol specifies: "For measures like ceiling fans at the design stage, the Client must provide evidence such as manufacturer’s data sheets that detail the make, model, and specifications (e.g., power rating, air movement capacity) to confirm the fans meet the efficiency criteria for improving thermal comfort" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.2: Audit Requirements). Option C, manufacturer’s data sheet of the ceiling fans, aligns with this requirement, as it provides the necessary specifications for verification. Option A (photographs of installed ceiling fans) is relevant at the post-construction stage, not design: "Photographs are required at the post-construction stage to confirm installation, not at the design stage" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.4: Post-Construction Requirements). Option B (CFD assessment) is not required, as EDGE uses simplified calculations: "EDGE does not require CFD assessments for air movement; fan specifications suffice for design-stage verification" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 5.5: Thermal Comfort Measures). Option D (purchase receipts) is also a post-construction requirement: "Purchase receipts verify installation, not design intent" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.4: Post-Construction Requirements). Thus, the manufacturer’s data sheet (Option C) is the correct evidence at the design stage.

The EDGE certification process assigns clear responsibilities to various stakeholders to ensure a smooth and accountable process. The EDGE Certification Protocol defines the role of the ProjectOwner (also referred to as the EDGE Client): "The Project Owner, as the EDGE Client, is responsible for the entire project within the EDGE certification system. This includes providing all necessary project documentation (e.g., drawings, specifications, and self-assessments), ensuring access to the site for audits, and paying the audit and certification fees as required by the Certification Provider" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 2.1: Roles and Responsibilities). Option C, Project Owner, directly aligns with this comprehensive responsibility. Option A (EDGE Expert) is incorrect, as the Expert’s role is advisory: "The EDGE Expert provides consultancy services, assisting with documentation and measure selection, but the ultimate responsibility for submission and payment lies with the Project Owner" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 2.1: Roles of EDGE Expert). Option B (EDGE Auditor) is also incorrect, as the Auditor’s role is to verify compliance, not manage the project: "The EDGE Auditor conducts independent audits and is not responsible for project management, documentation provision, or fee payments" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 2.2: Roles of EDGE Auditor). Option D (EDGE Certification Provider) is responsible for issuing certificates and overseeing the process, not managing the project: "The EDGE Certification Provider, such as GBCI, reviews the Auditor’s recommendation and issues certificates, but does not manage the project or pay fees" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.3: Certification Decision). The EDGE User Guide further reinforces this: "The Project Owner must coordinate all aspects of the certification process, ensuring documentation is complete, site access is granted for post-construction audits, and all fees are paid to the Certification Provider in a timely manner" (EDGE User Guide, Section 6.1: Project Preparation). This holistic responsibility makes the Project Owner (Option C) the correct answer.

The timeline for conducting a site audit as part of the EDGE certification process is critical to ensure that the project’s implementation aligns with the design-stage claims. The EDGE Certification Protocol specifies the timeframe for post-construction audits: "A site audit for EDGE certification must take place within 12 months of the project’s practical completion date to verify that the green building measures have been implemented as claimed in the self-assessment. This ensures that the audit reflects the building’s as-built condition while the project details are still current" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.4: Post-Construction Requirements). Option A, 12 months, directly matches this requirement. Option B (18 months), Option C (24 months), and Option D (36 months) exceed the specified timeframe, which could lead to discrepancies due to changes in the building’s condition or operation: "Conducting the site audit beyond 12 months may result in inaccuracies, as building systems or occupancy patterns may change, affecting the verification of measures" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 4.4: Site Audit Procedures). The EDGE User Guide also supports this timeline: "To maintain the integrity of the certification process, the site audit should be scheduled within 12 months of practical completion, allowing the Auditor to assess the building in its initial operational state" (EDGE User Guide, Section 6.3: Post-Construction Certification). The 12-month limit ensures that the audit is timely and relevant, making Option A the correct answer. Additionally, the EDGE Certification Protocol notes: "Extensions beyond 12 months may be granted only in exceptional circumstances, subject toapproval by the Certification Provider, but this is not the standard requirement" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.4: Post-Construction Requirements). Since the question asks for the standard timeframe, 12 months (Option A) applies.

Efficiency in fans and pumps is a critical aspect of green building design in EDGE, particularly for reducing energy consumption in HVAC systems. The EDGE User Guide provides detailed guidance on efficiency measures for mechanical systems: "Variable speed drives (VSDs) deliver the highest efficiency in fans and pumps by adjusting the motor speed to match the actual demand, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to fixed-speed systems. VSDs can achieve energy savings of up to 30-50% in HVAC applications by avoiding the constant operation at full speed typical of single or constant speed drives" (EDGE User Guide, Section 4.2: Energy Efficiency Measures). Option D, variable speed drive, aligns with this description as the most efficient option. Option A (two speed drive) offers some efficiency by allowing two operating speeds, but it is less flexible than VSDs: "Two speed drives provide limited efficiency gains, as they cannot continuously adjust to varying loads, unlike variable speed drives" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 5.1: Energy Efficiency Metrics). Option B (single speed drive) and Option C (constant speed drive) are essentially the same in this context, operating at a fixed speed regardless of demand, leading to energy waste: "Single speed or constant speed drives run at a fixed rate, resulting in higher energy consumption compared to variable speed drives, which modulate speed based on need" (EDGE User Guide, Section 4.2: Energy Efficiency Measures). The EDGE Methodology Report further elaborates: "Variable speed drives are the most efficient option for fans and pumps in EDGE, as they minimize energy use by matching output to demand, unlike two speed or constant speed drives, which operate inefficiently under partial loads" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 5.1: Energy Efficiency Metrics). This makes variable speed drives (Option D) the clear choice for delivering the highest efficiency in fans and pumps.

The EDGE App Results Bar displays key outputs of the software analysis after a project is modeled. The EDGE User Guide details the contents of the Results Bar: "The EDGE App Results Bar provides a summary of the project’s performance, including percentage savings in energy, water, and embodied energy in materials, as well as the incremental cost, payback period, and carbon emissions reduction" (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.4: Interpreting EDGE Results). Option C, incremental cost, is explicitly mentioned as part of the Results Bar, representing the additional cost of implementing green measures. Option A (building type) and Option B (occupant use) are inputs specified by the user during project setup, not outputs in the Results Bar, as noted: "Building type and occupant use are input parameters, not displayed in the Results Bar" (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.2: Project Setup). Option D (climate conditions) is also an input parameter (selected via location), not an output: "Climate conditions are derived from the selected location and are not shown in the Results Bar" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 3.2: Climate Data Inputs). Thus, incremental cost (Option C) is the correct parameter found in the Results Bar.

In hot climates, reducing heat gain through building envelopes is a key strategy for energy efficiency, as emphasized in EDGE’s green building design principles. The EDGE User Guide discusses solar reflectivity (measured by the Solar Reflectance Index, SRI) for walls and roofs, stating: "Higher SRI values indicate greater reflectivity, which reduces heat absorption and lowers cooling energy demand in hot climates. For walls in hot climates, an SRI of 0.7 or higher is recommended to maximize energy savings" (EDGE User Guide, Section 3.5: Passive Design Strategies). The options provided are 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.7. Since 0.7 is the highest SRI value among the choices, it reflects the most solar radiation, thereby reducing the cooling load andimproving energy efficiency in a hot climate, as per EDGE’s guidance. Options A, B, and C have lower SRI values and would result in greater heat absorption, increasing energy use for cooling.

The role of an EDGE Auditor is to verify the project’s self-assessment as submitted, not to modify or redesign the project. The EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols clearly define the Auditor’s responsibilities: "During an audit, the EDGE Auditor must assess the energy measures as presented in the self-assessment, without altering the design or selections made by the Client. If discrepancies are found, such as incorrect orientation of photovoltaics, the Auditor should note the issue in the audit report but proceed with the assessment as submitted, allowing the Certification Provider to make the final decision" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 4.1: Audit Process). Option C, assess the energy measures as they are presented without changing the photovoltaic selection, aligns with this protocol. Option A (contact the design team and suggest a better orientation) oversteps the Auditor’s role, as they are not to provide design advice: "Auditors must not engage in design consultancy during an audit to avoid conflicts of interest" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 2.3: Conflict of Interest). Option B (adjust the area of photovoltaic panels) involves modifying the assessment, which is prohibited: "Auditors cannot modify the Client’s self-assessment; they must evaluate it as submitted" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.2: Audit Requirements). Option D (reject photovoltaics and notify the Client) is also incorrect, as Auditors do not have the authority to reject measures outright: "Rejection of measures is the responsibility of the Certification Provider, not the Auditor" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.3: CertificationDecision). Thus, the Auditor should assess as presented (Option C).

The EDGE measure EEM22 - Efficient Lighting for Internal Areas focuses on reducing energy consumption through the use of efficient lighting. The EDGE User Guide specifies the requirements for this measure: "To claim EEM22 - Efficient Lighting for Internal Areas, at least 90% of the lamps in internal areas must be energy-efficient, such as LED or CFL, with a luminous efficacy of at least 80 lumens per watt. This threshold ensures significant energy savings while allowing for minimal exceptions in specific areas" (EDGE User Guide, Section 4.4: Lighting Efficiency Measures). Option C, 90%, directly matches this requirement. Option A (70%) and Option B (80%) are below the threshold, thus not qualifying for the measure. Option D (100%) exceeds the minimum requirement, but EDGE allows for flexibility with a 90% threshold to accommodate practical constraints: "A 90% requirement balances practicality with energy savings, recognizing that some areas may require specialized lighting" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 5.4: Lighting Calculations). Therefore, the minimum percentage to claim EEM22 is 90% (Option C).

EDGE Zero Carbon certification requires periodic renewal to ensure ongoing compliance with zero carbon standards, particularly since it often involves carbon offsets or renewable energy commitments that may change over time. The EDGE Certification Protocol specifies the renewal timeline: "EDGE Zero Carbon certification must be renewed initially after two years to verify that the building continues to meet the zero carbon requirements, including the use of carbon offsets or renewable energy. Subsequently, renewal is required every four years to ensure long-term compliance with the standard" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 2.3: Certification Levels). Option A, initially after two years, subsequently every four years, directly matches this requirement.Option B (initially after four years, subsequently every two years) reverses the timeline, which does not align with the protocol: "The initial two-year renewal ensures early verification, while the four-year cycle applies thereafter to balance monitoring with practicality" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 2.3: Certification Levels). Option C (every two years if using carbon offsets, or every four years if using 100% renewable energy) and Option D (every four years if using carbon offsets, or every two years if using 100% renewable energy) introduce a distinction based on the method of achieving zero carbon status, which is not supported by EDGE documentation: "The renewal timeline for EDGE Zero Carbon is consistent regardless of whether carbon offsets or renewable energy are used, as both methods require ongoing verification of performance and offset purchases" (EDGE User Guide, Section 6.3: Advanced Certifications). The EDGE Methodology Report adds: "The two-year initial renewal allows for confirmation of operational data and offset validity, while the four-year subsequent renewal cycle ensures sustained commitment without excessive administrative burden" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 2.3: Zero Carbon Calculations). The EDGE User Guide further confirms: "EDGE Zero Carbon certification renewal follows a standard schedule of two years initially, then every four years, to maintain the integrity of the zero carbon claim over time" (EDGE User Guide, Section 6.3: Advanced Certifications). Thus, the correct renewal schedule is initially after two years, then every four years (Option A).

The EDGE App relies on location-specific climate data to calculate resource savings, but not all cities are listed. The EDGE User Guide provides guidance for such cases: "If the project city is not listed in the EDGE App, the user should choose the closest city to the project location that is available in the database. If necessary, the user can edit the climate data (e.g., temperature, humidity) to better reflect the project’s actual conditions, ensuring accurate calculations" (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.2: Project Setup). Option B, choose the closest city and edit the climate data if necessary, directly matches this protocol. Option A (write to EDGE Certifier and wait) is incorrect, as this is not a required step: "Users are not required to request new cities; they can proceed by selecting the closest city" (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.2: Project Setup). Option C(select any city in the same climate zone globally) is too broad and inaccurate: "Choosing a city from a different region, even in the same climate zone, may lead to incorrect assumptions about local practices and climate" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 3.2: Climate Data Inputs). Option D (choose the capital city) is also incorrect unless it is the closest: "The capital city should only be selected if it is the nearest available option in the database" (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.2: Project Setup). Thus, the correct protocol is to choose the closest city and edit climate data (Option B).

The Coefficient of Performance (COP) is used in EDGE to calculate the electrical power input required for a given thermal output of a chiller. The EDGE Methodology Report defines COP as: "COP is the ratio of thermal output to electrical input, expressed as COP = Thermal Output / Electrical Input. To find the electrical input (power rating), rearrange the formula: Electrical Input = Thermal Output / COP" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 5.1: Energy Efficiency Metrics). Given the COP of the water-cooled chiller as 6 and the cooling thermal load (thermal output) as 3516 W, the power rating is calculated as follows: Electrical Input = 3516 W / 6 = 586 W. Option A, 586 W, matches this calculation. Option B (3510 W) is incorrect, as it is slightly less than the thermal output, implying an unrealistic COP near 1. Option C (3522 W) is slightly above the thermal output, also incorrect. Option D (21096 W) is the result of multiplying the thermal output by the COP (3516 × 6), which is the inverse of the correct calculation. The EDGE User Guide confirms: "For a chiller with a COP of 6, the electrical input is one-sixth of the thermal output, ensuring energy efficiency is accurately assessed" (EDGE User Guide, Section 4.2: Energy Efficiency Measures). Thus, the power rating is 586 W (Option A).

The EDGE Standard defines specific project types eligible for certification levels, including EDGE Advanced, which requires at least 40% energy savings. The EDGE Certification Protocol specifies: "EDGE Advanced certification is available for new constructions that achieve a minimum of 40% energy savings compared to the base case, applicable to building typologies such as homes, hotels, offices, hospitals, retail, and schools" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 2.3: Certification Levels). Option A, new constructions, aligns with this scope, as EDGE focuses on new buildings across supported typologies. Option B, green lease agreements, is not a building type and is outside EDGE’s certification framework. Option C, infrastructure constructions, and Option D, parks and landscape projects, are also not covered under EDGE typologies, as confirmed by the EDGE User Guide: "EDGE certification applies to new buildings and major renovations of specific typologies, excluding infrastructure or landscape-only projects" (EDGE User Guide, Section 1.2: Scope of EDGE Certification). Thus, only new constructions qualify for EDGE Advanced certification.

Utility cost savings in EDGE are calculated based on reductions in resource consumption sourced from the supply grid, as these are the costs directly borne by the building owner. The EDGE User Guide explains: "Utility cost savings in EDGE are calculated based on the reduction in energy and water consumption from the supply grid, using local tariffs for electricity and water to convert resource savings into financial savings" (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.4: Interpreting EDGE Results). Option D, energy and water consumption from the supply grid, aligns with this definition, focusing on grid-supplied resources. Option A (electricity and water consumption) is partially correct but lacks specificity about the source: "Electricity and water must be grid-supplied to be included in utility cost savings; onsite generation is excluded" (EDGE Methodology Report Version2.0, Section 4.4: Cost Savings Calculations). Option B (generator fuel and water consumption) is incorrect, as generator fuel is not part of utility cost savings: "Generator fuel costs are not included in utility savings, as EDGE focuses on grid-supplied utilities" (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.4: Interpreting EDGE Results). Option C (building energy and water consumption) is too broad, including onsite sources: "Building consumption includes all sources, but utility savings are grid-specific" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 4.4: Cost Savings Calculations). Thus, energy and water from the supply grid (Option D) is the correct basis for utility cost savings.

The EDGE Auditor’s submission for Preliminary Certification (design stage) must include specific elements to support the recommendation for certification. The EDGE Certification Protocol specifies: "For Preliminary Certification, the EDGE Auditor’s submission must include compliance documents for the selected measures, such as drawings, specifications, and manufacturer’s data sheets, which verify that the design aligns with the self-assessment in the EDGE software. These documents are reviewed by the Certification Provider to confirm eligibility" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.2: Audit Requirements). Option C, compliance documents for selected measures, directly matches this requirement. Option A (all available design data) is too broad and not required: "Only documents directly related to the selected measures are needed, not all design data" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.2: Audit Requirements). Option B (Chapter 5 EDGE certification protocol) is incorrect, as this refers to the protocol document itself, not a submission component: "The certification protocol is a reference, not part of the Auditor’s submission" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 1.1: Overview). Option D (design audit site visit results) is incorrect, as site visits are not required at the design stage: "Preliminary Certification is based on a desk audit, not a site visit, which occurs at the post-construction stage" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.3: Certification Decision). Thus, compliance documents (Option C) are required in the submission.

The EDGE software’s Base Case is a standardized benchmark that does not adjust to project-specific corporate standards but reflects local norms. The EDGE User Guide states: "The Base Case in EDGE software is automatically generated based on local typical building practices and, where applicable, national building codes for the selected typology and location. It does not incorporate project-specific corporate standards or custom specifications, ensuring a consistent baseline for comparison" (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.3: Using the EDGE App). In this scenario, the hotel developer’s corporate design standards for water fittings, lighting, heating, and air-conditioning are specific to the project, but the EDGE Base Case will still use local typical practices or codes (Option C). Option A is incorrect, as the project can still be certified using the standard Base Case. Option B is wrong because the Base Case does not adapt to corporate specifications. Option D is also incorrect, as the Base Case is not verified on a case-by-case basis for specific hotel chains but is standardized for the region and typology.

The EDGE software requires users to select a building type (typology) to model resource consumption accurately, and the choice depends on the scope of the certification. In this scenario, a tenant on the third floor (an office floor) of a medium-rise building seeks EDGE certification. The EDGE User Guide provides guidance on selecting building types for tenant spaces: "When a tenant within a larger building seeks EDGE certification, the building type should reflect the tenant’s space. For an office tenant on the third floor of a mixed-use building, the ‘Office’ typology should be selected, as the certification applies only to the tenant’s space, not the entire building, unless the whole building is being certified" (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.2: Project Setup). Option A, Office, aligns with this guidance, as the tenant’s space is an office. Option B (Retail) is incorrect, as the retail floors are on the first two levels, not the third: "Retail typology would apply if the tenant space were on the retail floors, not the office floors" (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.2: Project Setup). Option C (Mixed-use) is also incorrect, as this typology applies to the entire building, not a single tenant space: "Mixed-use typology is used when the entire building, including all uses (e.g., retail and offices), is being certified, not for individual tenant spaces" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 2.1: Calculation Approach). Option D (Core and Shell) is typically used for buildings certified up to the core and shell stage, not for tenant fit-outs: "Core and Shell typology applies to buildings certified without tenant fit-outs, focusing on the building envelope and systems, not individual tenant spaces like an office" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 1.2: Scope of EDGE Standard). The EDGE User Guide further clarifies: "For tenant-led certifications, the typology should match the tenant’s use—e.g., ‘Office’ for an office tenant—even if the building has multiple uses, ensuring the Base Case reflects the tenant’s specific consumption patterns” (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.2: Project Setup). Since the tenant on the third floor operates an office, the Office typology (Option A) is the correct choice for EDGE certification.